​Icelandic Horses: Revision Pack for Mastermind


Introduction

Icelandic horses are a unique and ancient breed native to Iceland, known for their small size, strength, and distinctive gaits. Bred in isolation for over 1,000 years, they have become one of the purest horse breeds in the world. Famous for their hardiness and adaptability to Iceland's harsh climate, Icelandic horses also have a friendly temperament and are celebrated for their five natural gaits. This revision pack will guide you through the history, characteristics, cultural significance, and unique traits of Icelandic horses.

The History of Icelandic Horses
  1. Origins:
    • Icelandic horses are believed to be descended from horses brought to Iceland by Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries. These horses were primarily of Nordic and Celtic origin.
    • Over time, the breed adapted to Iceland’s rugged terrain and cold climate, becoming small, hardy, and strong.
  2. Isolation and Purity:
    • Icelandic law, dating back to 982 AD, prohibits the importation of horses. This law was enacted to protect the breed from diseases and maintain its purity.
    • Once a horse leaves Iceland, it is never allowed to return, ensuring that the breed has remained genetically isolated for over a millennium.
    • As a result, Icelandic horses are considered one of the purest breeds in the world, with minimal influence from other horse breeds.
  3. Historical Role in Iceland:
    • Icelandic horses were essential to the survival of early Icelanders. They were used for transportation, farming, herding sheep, and carrying goods across the island’s challenging landscapes.
    • Horses were also central to Icelandic culture and mythology, appearing in sagas and folklore, where they were often depicted as loyal and powerful animals.

Physical Characteristics of Icelandic Horses
  1. Size:
    • Icelandic horses are small in stature, typically standing between 13 to 14 hands high (around 132–142 cm or 52–56 inches). Despite their size, they are considered horses and not ponies due to their strength and endurance.
  2. Build:
    • Icelandic horses have short, sturdy legs, a broad chest, and a strong back, making them well-suited for carrying riders over long distances.
    • Their heads are proportionally large with wide foreheads, expressive eyes, and strong, slightly curved necks.
  3. Coat and Mane:
    • Icelandic horses have a thick double coat that helps them endure cold temperatures. Their manes and tails are long and flowing, adding to their distinctive appearance.
    • They come in a wide variety of colours, including chestnut, bay, black, grey, and many variations of roan and pinto.
  4. Longevity and Health:
    • Icelandic horses are known for their longevity and can live well into their 30s. They often remain active and able to work or be ridden for most of their lives.
    • The breed is generally robust and healthy, with few genetic defects, largely due to their isolation and strict breeding standards.

Unique Gaits of Icelandic HorsesIcelandic horses are famous for their five natural gaits, two of which are unique to the breed.
  1. Walk:
    • A steady, four-beat gait where the horse moves one foot at a time. It is similar to the walk seen in other horse breeds and is used for relaxed riding and travelling.
  2. Trot:
    • A two-beat gait where diagonal pairs of legs move together. The trot is also found in most horse breeds and is often used for faster travel.
  3. Canter/Gallop:
    • The three-beat canter and four-beat gallop are the faster gaits, used when the horse covers longer distances quickly.
  4. Tölt:
    • The tölt is the most distinctive and celebrated gait of the Icelandic horse. It is a four-beat lateral gait, meaning one foot touches the ground at a time, producing an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride.
    • Riders can tölting at various speeds, from a slow pace to near gallop speeds, all while enjoying the smooth, vibration-free motion.
  5. Flying Pace (Skeið):
    • The flying pace, or skeið, is a two-beat lateral gait, where the legs on the same side of the horse move together. It is a high-speed gait used over short distances, often in races.
    • The flying pace is incredibly fast, with some horses reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h). Not all Icelandic horses are trained in this gait, but it is highly prized in competitions.

Cultural Significance of Icelandic Horses
  1. Icelandic Sagas and Folklore:
    • Icelandic horses hold a special place in Icelandic folklore and literature. They are often depicted as loyal companions to heroes and gods, with extraordinary strength and abilities.
    • One of the most famous horses in Icelandic mythology is Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse ridden by the Norse god Odin.
  2. Horse Festivals and Competitions:
    • Icelandic horses are celebrated in local festivals and competitions, where riders demonstrate their horses’ skills, particularly in the tölt and flying pace.
    • The Landsmót, Iceland’s national horse show, is held every two years and showcases the best Icelandic horses in the country. Riders and breeders compete in events demonstrating the breed’s strength, agility, and unique gaits.
  3. Icelandic Horse as a Symbol:
    • The Icelandic horse is a national symbol of Iceland. Its role in Icelandic history, culture, and daily life is significant, and the breed is cherished for its connection to the country’s Viking past.

The Role of Icelandic Horses in Modern Times
  1. Tourism:
    • Icelandic horses play a significant role in the country’s tourism industry. Visitors from around the world come to Iceland to ride these unique horses and explore the island’s rugged terrain.
    • Riding tours, ranging from a few hours to several days, allow tourists to experience Iceland’s landscapes while riding the smooth tölt of the Icelandic horse.
  2. International Appeal:
    • Although horses cannot return to Iceland once they leave, Icelandic horses are now bred in many countries, including Germany, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
    • They are popular for leisure riding and competition, and their friendly, easygoing temperament makes them ideal for riders of all ages and skill levels.
  3. Endurance and Versatility:
    • Icelandic horses are highly valued for their endurance, making them ideal for long-distance trekking and endurance events.
    • Their adaptability means they are used for various activities, including pleasure riding, competition, and even herding livestock in their native Iceland.

Health and Care of Icelandic Horses
  1. Robust Health:
    • Due to their isolation, Icelandic horses have developed strong resistance to many common equine diseases, but this also means they can be vulnerable to diseases from other breeds. This is why strict import rules are enforced.
    • They are generally low-maintenance horses, capable of living outdoors year-round, even in harsh climates.
  2. Diet and Nutrition:
    • Icelandic horses are accustomed to sparse, nutrient-poor diets typical of their native environment. Their digestive systems are efficient, and they can thrive on rough forage, such as grass and hay.
  3. Hoof Care:
    • Due to the rugged terrain of Iceland, Icelandic horses have hard, strong hooves that require less maintenance than many other breeds. Regular hoof care is still necessary, particularly for horses used for riding on uneven ground.

Key Facts About Icelandic Horses
  1. Small but Strong:
    • Despite their small size, Icelandic horses are incredibly strong and can carry adults comfortably for long periods. Their strength and endurance are some of their defining traits.
  2. Longevity:
    • Icelandic horses are known for their long lifespans, often living well into their 30s and remaining active for most of their lives.
  3. Unique Gaits:
    • Icelandic horses are one of the few breeds in the world with five natural gaits: walk, trot, canter, tölt, and flying pace, with the tölt being especially prized for its smoothness.
  4. Strict Breeding Laws:
    • Iceland has strict breeding regulations to preserve the purity of the Icelandic horse. No horses are allowed to be imported, and once a horse leaves the country, it cannot return.

Terminology and Key Concepts
  1. Tölt: A four-beat lateral gait unique to Icelandic horses, known for its smoothness and ability to be performed at various speeds.
  2. Flying Pace (Skeið): A two-beat lateral gait, used for short bursts of speed, often in racing competitions.
  3. Savage Law of 982: The law that prohibits the importation of horses into Iceland, ensuring the breed’s genetic purity.
  4. Landsmót: Iceland’s national horse show, where Icelandic horses compete in events demonstrating their unique gaits and abilities.
  5. Purebred: Icelandic horses have been bred in isolation for over 1,000 years, making them one of the purest horse breeds in the world.

Practice Questions for Mastermind
  1. What are the two unique gaits of the Icelandic horse that set it apart from most other horse breeds?
  2. In what year was the law passed that prohibited the importation of horses into Iceland?
  3. What is the name of the Icelandic horse's distinctive four-beat gait known for its smoothness and comfort?
  4. Why are Icelandic horses considered one of the purest horse breeds in the world?
  5. Name two famous uses of Icelandic horses in Icelandic culture, whether historical or modern.

Conclusion

​Icelandic horses are a distinctive and cherished breed with a rich history and cultural significance. Known for their endurance, strength, and unique gaits, these horses have played a vital role in Iceland’s history and continue to be celebrated worldwide for their versatility and friendly temperament. As you revise for your Mastermind quiz, focus on the breed’s origins, key traits, cultural importance, and unique contributions to the equestrian world.